Writing about Data

Stat 365: Statistical Communication

Monday, April 3rd1

Today we will…

  • Introduction to the course

  • Writing about data

  • Review Syllabus

  • Tips for success

Communicating about Data


Data is a set of variables that capture various aspects of the world


It also contains observations over those variables


Data can seem neutral, but it is always generated by humans

#privlagealert

I am a

  • white
  • straight
  • cisgender
  • middle class
  • highly educated
  • American

lady

I’m doing the best I can when I talk about issues of race, class, gender, and other sensitive topics. But you should always feel free to call me out (publicly or privately)

Sometimes data is collected intentionally

  • The Census

  • Pew Research surveys

  • Science!

  • …and of course, many more

Sometimes data is collected for one reason and used for another

  • Health information about you at the doctor

  • Emails

  • Location information from social media posts

  • …and more!

Brainstorm!


Make a list of all the places you left “data exhaust” today/this week

Main communication types in this class


Writing about data (words)


Visualizing data (pictures)

Scientific writing

Chan, J. K., Trinder, J., Andrewes, H. E., Colrain, I. M., & Nicholas, C. L. (2013). The acute effects of alcohol on sleep architecture in late adolescence. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 37(10), 1720-1728.1

Data journalism

California Knew the Carr Wildfire Could Happen. It Failed to Prevent it.1

Keith Schneider ProPublica December 18, 2018

(and also, data viz!)1

Goofy stuff

The Unlikely Odds of Making it Big on TikTok1

Matt Daniels, The Pudding July 2022

Brainstorm!


What other types of writing about data are there?


What distinctions can we draw inside the categories?

Syllabus

Tips for success


Voice Dream Reader App


Keep track of important deadlines


Ask when clarification is needed


Be creative!

To do

Grade contract (Canvas Quiz Submission)

  • Due Wednesday, 4/5 at 12pm

Read

  • CwD ch 1. Reading science articles
  • CwD ch. 10.3 Editing with others
  • How to Lie with Statistics ch. 1

Review final technical report project outline & instructions (start brainstorming!)